Once again inspired by Chris Guillebeau of The Art of Non-Conformity I look back over my experience of 2013. It was a really difficult and challenging year for me.

Here is what didn’t go well:

• On 23 January my mother passed away after a four year battle with cancer.
• Dad was alone for the first time in his life and grieved and this sat heavily on my mind.
• Dad was diagnosed with Mesothelioma at the end of July just prior to his 77 birthday.
• With family members I shared care responsibilities for Dad which meant a lot of organisation and travel to and fro.
• We sold our house and most of our possessions.
• We resigned from great jobs.
• We moved and left some great new-found friends.
• I went from being a fully employed professional to being a full time carer with no wage.
• Dad passed away on 16 December.
• The funeral for Dad was held on 20 December.
• Our annual family Christmas get-together was held on 22 December and was a horrible out-pouring of grief.

Here is what went well:

• I successfully completed the Master of Information Studies.
• I felt very appreciated, valued, and useful at work; able to put my skills and knowledge to good use in practical applications.
• I had a good time snow skiing at Mount Hotham in August.
• Our house sold extremely quickly – even before the Real Estate Agents had a chance to sign us up.
• Our move back to our old location was well supported by friends.
• I enjoyed listening to some great podcasts here, and elsewhere, that provided me with some important information and inspired me to keep on track with my efforts.
• I read some interesting books (here are the ones I rated 4 star):
  • The signature of all things by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • The marriage plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
  • Expect more by R. David Lankes
  • A lamp in the darkness by Jack Kornfield
  • Wheat belly by William Davis M.D.